An analysis of the effectiveness of community policing as a tool aimed at reducing and preventing crime incident in the area of Qawra and Bugibba

Abstract

This research examines the role of community policing as a crime prevention strategy implemented. It focuses mainly on how the residents identify fear of crime and perceive safety in the areas; the crime occurrence; and what can be done to prevent crime from happening. This perception was also highlighted by the police officers who focused on what can be done to reduce crimes rates. The researcher chose a qualitative method approach and semi-structured interviews were carried out with five participants including two police sergeants and a police inspector from Qawra police station and two residents living in the areas studied. From the data collected the themes produced where the concept of safety and crime analysis, security and risk reduction and the effectiveness of community policing. Concluding, the dissertation focused on prevention of crime through surveillance and community policing to be applied by policy-makers.